Cleveland International Piano Institute
About the Institute
Presented by Piano Cleveland and hosted by the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Cleveland International Piano Institute is an exceptional pre-collegiate experience for pianists ages 13–18 seeking to deepen their artistry. Students will receive exceptional training through one-on-one private lessons and masterclasses with high-level faculty, including members of the esteemed jury of the Cleveland International Piano Competitions for Young Artists, as well as select faculty from the Cleveland Institute of Music and invited faculty from around the world.
In addition to individual instruction, students will participate in workshops focused on competition preparation, applying for higher musical education, and building a musical career. Additional faculty—including Piano Cleveland Artistic Director Yaron Kohlberg and other guest artists—will be announced in Fall 2025.
A Day at the Institute
You’ll spend each day at the Institute immersed in piano with leaders in the field and other young pianists just like you. You’ll also get to know your way around University Circle, Cleveland’s premier walkable arts district.
A typical day at the Institute may look as follows:
Morning
- Private Lesson with Institute Faculty Member
- Practice Time
- Lunch
Afternoon
Afternoons at the Institute will have either a Masterclass or Workshop.
- Masterclasses will be taught by CIPC for Young Artists Jury Members or Institute Faculty.
- Workshops will be taught by Institute Faculty or Teaching Artist.
- Workshop topics include:
- Competition Preparation
- Chamber Music Collaboration
- Working with a Conductor and Orchestra
- More topics to be announced!
- Practice Time
Evening
Evenings at the Institute will include dinner and a variety of activities such as:
- Practicing in CIM’s state of the art practice rooms.
- Attending sessions of the CIPC for Young Artists or a recital by Jean-Yves Thibaudet.
- Exploring Cleveland by hearing The Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Center, taking a private tour of the world-renowned Cleveland Museum of Art, or experiencing the (surprising!) natural beauty of Lake Erie.
What Makes the Institute Unique?
1. Learn from the Best: Both Faculty and Peers
Our “peers” have no rivals. In addition to high-level faculty from CIM and abroad and visiting artists, participants in the Cleveland International Piano Institute (CIPI) will train with finalists in the world-renowned Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists. They’ll learn from some of the finest international pianists in their age groups as well as piano luminary Jean-Yves Thibaudet.
2. Develop your Musical Voice
Pianists are more than technicians. They’re artists. That’s why the CIPI trains the whole musician, encouraging participants to explore their creativity and grow as artists, all under the eyes of leaders in the field.
3. A true pre-collegiate experience
Home to state-of-the-art facilities fostering the future of classical music, CIM is located in Cleveland’s beautiful University Circle, within walking distance of Severance Music Center (home of The Cleveland Orchestra), the Cleveland Museum of Art, Case Western Reserve University, and numerous other world-class institutions.
Housing and Practice Space
CIM’s state-of-the-art student housing complex is located at 1609 Hazel Drive, just steps from CIM’s main building in University Circle. The five-story facility includes 22 acoustically isolated practice rooms on the main floor and residence spaces for Institute participants.
Amenities Include:
- Deluxe, fully furnished units with all the comforts of home, including in-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi, laundry and full kitchens.
- An acoustical-minded construction approach, which reduces sound transfer suite to suite.
- 19 individual and 3 chamber music-sized practice rooms available around the clock.
- Secure, controlled access.
- Spacious, relaxing lounges and a classroom.
- Images taken from the official website of the Cleveland Institute of Music
In the Neighborhood - University Circle
The Cleveland Institute of Music is located in University Circle, adjacent to the Case Western Reserve University campus. University Circle, Northeast Ohio’s cultural center, was named one of America’s prettiest neighborhoods by Forbes Magazine. At the heart of University Circle is the Uptown District, recently called the “new downtown” by The New York Times; the area is home to dozens of restaurants, shops, live music venues and more. We are proud to be part of this amazing community focused on the arts, education and enrichment.
CIM is walking distance from Severance Hall, home to The Cleveland Orchestra. Our campus is also a quick walk to The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Botanical Garden, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Western Reserve Historical Society, Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Art.
Explore some of the area’s cultural treasures below.
Severance Music Center
Severance Music Center, home to The Cleveland Orchestra, is a short walk from our campus. CIM orchestra students regularly perform in the world-class performance space and all students can attend Cleveland Orchestra concerts for free all year.
Cleveland Museum of Art
Boasting a collection of more than 30,000 works of art spanning more than 5,000 years, from ancient Egypt to the present, the Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the world’s top museums. And admission is free.
Uptown District
Cleveland’s Uptown has attracted some of the area’s best restaurateurs who have created comfortable, casual eateries. Sit at a counter, a on a bench, at a quiet table for two, or grab a window seat and watch the passersby.
Little Italy
The brick paved streets of Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood are minutes away from CIM. Dozens of Italian restaurants, eateries, bakeries and artisan food shops line the streets in this culture-rich neighborhood founded in the mid 1800s.
Institute Faculty
CIPC For Young Artists Jury
All CIPC for Young Artists Jury Members will also serve as faculty for the Institute.
Additional Faculty
*Please note: Olga Kern will present a masterclass at the Institute, but is not available for private lessons.
About the Presenters
Cleveland International Piano Institute brings luminaries from the classical piano world together at the Cleveland Institute of Music for a learning experience unlike any other. Read more about this exciting collaboration below!
Tuition & Scholarships
The costs of the Cleveland International Piano Institute are as follows:
Tuition
Room & Board
We understand that tuition costs can be a barrier for attending the Institute. As a result, Piano Cleveland is committed to providing financial assistance as needed.
If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please check the box in your application and we will be in touch with you regarding the process.